Are you considering wearing your mom’s wedding dress for your big day? Well, that’s a fantastic choice! 

Did you know that famous Hollywood actress Margot Robbie wore her mother Sarie Kessler’s 30-year-old wedding dress while marrying her British film-maker boyfriend, Tom Ackerley, in 2016? 

No wonder it’s a pure nostalgic feeling —you will be wearing the same gown in which your mother walked down the aisle! Goosebumps are guaranteed! 

But here’s the thing:  time and storage conditions can take a toll on that beloved gown. Whether it’s yellowed lace, faded fabric, stains, or just the wear and tear of years, the thought of breathing new life into it can feel overwhelming. 

However, you don’t have to worry! We have created this blog to show you how to restore and transform that vintage beauty into the dress of your dreams.

Let’s get into the details! 

Step 1: Assessing The Gown’s Condition

Before you begin working with scissors and needles, assess the gown's condition. This will help you identify the target areas you need to address. 

Here’s a quick checklist for you:

Fabric Inspection

• Look for areas where the fabric might have yellowed, faded, or stained.
• Carefully inspect the gown for any small tears, rips, or worn-out sections-particularly in lace, tulle, and silk.
• Feel the fabric; if it feels stiff, brittle, or rough in certain places, it could indicate fabric deterioration.
• Check the seams for any looseness or gaps that might need re-sewing.
• The dress’s lining might require replacement if it looks weak, pale, torn, or yellow.

Check for Stains

• Inspect for stains, whether they are surface-level or deeply rooted in the fabric.
• Look for watermarks or, worse, mold spots, which might be visible in gowns that were stored in damp environments.

Evaluate the Fit

• Check on the fit from around the bust, waist, and hips, where sizing may vary.
• Check for sleeves to see if they fit correctly.
• If your height differs from your mom's, the length might need some adjustment. 

Examine the Dress’s Closures

• If the dress has a zipper, carefully zip and unzip it a few times. You don’t want it to get stuck while getting all ready for the D-DAY! 
• Check for button loops, hooks, or snaps that may have weakened over time. 

Smell the Gown

• Gowns stored in basements and attics without proper preservation can have a damp, musty odor. 
• If mothballs were used for storage, the scent may still cling to the fabric.

So, now that you have ticked off the key areas, what comes next? Let’s find out! 

Step 2: Preserving the Gown’s beauty With Professional Cleaning

If you feel the gown is fine and in good shape, you can jump straight away to revamping and personalizing it. 

However, if your checklist reveals areas that need attention, it’s time to give the gown the professional pampering it needs. Here is when Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation comes into play. 

Forget the hassle of exploring “dress cleaners near me!” Instead, you can send your precious heirloom to us online for deep cleaning and restoration. We specialize in restoring vintage gowns to their former glory. 

Whether your mom’s gown has yellowed over time, has stubborn stains, or needs in-depth cleaning, we have all the right tools and technology to do the job.

To get the wedding dress cleaned, you can choose from our top-tier options: “Restoration Wedding Dress Preservation Kit” or “Clean Only Wedding Dress Kit,” both designed to provide different levels of care. 

To retain the gown’s original beauty, we employ SYSTEMK4 Cleaning, one of the best technologies to treat delicate fabrics. It’s completely safe, organic, environmentally friendly, and effective in removing deep-set stains and yellowing.

Well, if you’re assuming the wedding dress cleaning cost would be expensive, don’t worry—it’s actually quite reasonable. Moreover, ensuring your gown looks flawless for its second walk down the aisle is worth every penny!

Step 3: DIY Makeover Ideas to Transform Your Mom’s Gown

Once the gown is freshly cleaned and restored, it’s time for the fun part: the transformation! Let’s give your mum’s gown a fresh, modern twist!

Alter the Silhouette

Switch up the shape of your mum’s wedding gown to give it a little makeover. If it is a classic ball gown, reduce the fabric to transform it into a gorgeous A-line, removing some of the fullness from the skirt. 

In case you need that fairytale moment, you can consider adding a voluminous tulle skirt to create a dreamy ballgown look. 

Add Lace Details

If your mom’s gown is a bit simpler, you can add some lace detailing. There are multiple ways to do it:

• If it’s sleeveless, you can add lace sleeves.
• Consider adding a lace overlay to the bodice, sleeves, or skirt.
• Sew lace trims along the hemline, neckline, or sleeves of the gown.
• Use lace to create a belt or sash that can cinch the waist and embellish it with beads, sequins, or stones. 
• You can create floral shapes and sew them into the gown’s bodice, sleeves, or skirt.
• Consider creating a tempting illusion back adorned with lace work if it has a closed back.

However, if you're not confident in your sewing skills, consider taking the gown to a professional seamstress specializing in bridal alterations. 

Swap the Neckline

One of the easiest ways to change the vibe of the dress is to alter the neckline. If it’s a high neck, consider going strapless, off-shoulder, or a deep V-neck for a sexy, modern edge.

Personalized Embroidery

Make the dress truly yours by adding some personalized embroidery. Whether it’s your initials, a special date, or even a meaningful symbol, a little stitched detail can add a lot of heart and uniqueness.

Alter the Sleeves

If the dress has long sleeves, you could switch them out for something trendier—like lace cap sleeves, off-shoulder straps, or even illusion sleeves. Or, go sleeveless for a sleek summer vibe.

Transforming the Train

Does your mom’s gown have a classic, sweeping train? While beautiful, it might feel a bit too traditional for your big day. You can shorten it for a sleek, modern vibe—just enough to make walking down the aisle easier while keeping that elegant flow. 

Vice-versa, you even make it longer for that extra oomph!

Step 5: Preserve the Love: Trust Your Gown with Us Post-Wedding

So, soon after your wedding day ends, don't you want your mom’s wedding gown to be preserved for your daughter, just like your mother did for you? If yes, send your beloved heirloom to Trusted Wedding Gown Preservation.

Our experts will carefully clean and restore the gown, removing any mud, makeup, or food stains that your dress might have picked up during D-Day! 

But it doesn’t stop at cleaning—preserving it for the future is as important. Once restored, we carefully pack and seal your dress in a preservation box designed to protect it from yellowing, moisture, and dust. 

This way, you’re not only preserving a gown but also continuing your mom’s legacy and family tradition. 

Bottom Line: A Gown That Tells Two Stories

Isn’t there something genuinely heartwarming about wearing your mother’s wedding gown? And, walking the aisle in the same gown she wore makes it even more special, as you are carrying a legacy of love from one generation to the next. 

So, with some creative ideas and the right care, that gown can shine once again, uniquely yours yet full of history! Transform it the way you want because you are the bride-to-be who’s gonna flaunt it beautifully on the dreamiest day of your life!  

And when the day’s done, send it to us to preserve it for the next chapter, ready to inspire another bride in your family one day.